"In four operations conducted in national and international waters, a total of 7,410 kilograms [16,336 pounds] of cocaine have been seized, as well as three semi-submersible vessels and a speed boat, which inflicted a financial damage of $249 million to the drug business organisations", the Colombian Navy said in a statement.
About 5.5 tonnes of cocaine were seized from two submarines near Malpelo Island in the Pacific Ocean. The operation was carried out in cooperation with the US Joint Special Operations Command and resulted in the detention of three Ecuadorian and three Colombian citizens.
Over 90 percent of the world's coca plantations are located in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia, which makes these countries crucial for international drug trafficking.